Alkoxylated-polyethylenimine and composition containing the same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an alkoxylated polyethylenimine, for use in textile treatment in textile industry, especially in textile finishing processes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an alkoxylated polyethylenimineapplicable for textile treatment in the textile industry, especially fortextile finishing. In particular, the present invention relates to analkoxylated polyethylenimine to be used as an additive in textiletreatment compositions, such as a textile softening composition or awater-repellant treatment composition in a textile finishing process.The present invention further relates to a textile softening compositionand a water-repellant composition containing the same to be used intextile industry, especially in the textile finishing process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In textile industry, especially during the finishing process, textiletreatment agents are applied, which provide desired properties to thefabricated textile.

A textile softener is a treating agent for textile to make the textilesoft, fluffy and anti-static. A commonly used textile softener, e.g.amino modified silicone oil, long carbon chain alcohol, quaternaryammonium compounds, wax, ester, etc., can offer soft hand feeling witheconomical cost.

A water-repellant agent, such as fluoro-containing water-repellant agentor silicon-containing water-repellant agent, is a treating agent fortextile to provide the textile with water-repellant properties. It canbe used for textile-treating, textile-finishing, and the like.

Furthermore, after being treated by the composition of the presentinvention, the treated textile will have excellent washing durability,which means that, after several times of washing cycles, the treatedtextile will keep excellent performances such as soft hand feeling orwater repellence.

However, generally, textile softeners and water repellant agents in theart have poor hydrophilicity.

Because of the hydrophobicity of textile softeners, treating with thesetextile softeners will reduce the hydrophilicity of the treated textile,thus lead to poor water absorption of the textile.

Hydrophilic silicone oils have been developed in recent years. Comparedwith amino modified silicone oil, hydrophilic silicone oils exhibit animproved hydrophilicity. However, producing several hydrophilic siliconeoils is tedious, and the hydrophilic silicone oil will adverselyinfluence the hand of the treated textile.

US 2011/0177994A1 discloses a fabric care composition comprising apolyethylenimine as deposition aid. In this application,polyethylenimine is used for improving the deposition of a fabric careactive with some examples being silicone or other water-insolubleactives.

In the field of textile treating, especially in the finishing process intextile treatment, there is still a need in the art to provide a stabletextile softening composition which will improve hydrophilicity oftextile at economical cost, while the soft hand feeling of the textilebeing kept.

In the field of textile treating, there is as well still a need in theart to provide a stable water-repellant composition providingwater-repellant properties to the textile.

Also, the treated textile will have excellent washing durability, whichmeans that, after several times of washing cycle, the treated textilewill keep excellent performances such as soft hand feeling or waterrepellence.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in an effort to meet the needs in textile industry, it hasbeen found that specific alkoxylated polyethylenimine, when being usedin a textile softening composition or a water-repellant composition, canachieve the desired results of the above.

The first aspect of the invention relates to an alkoxylatedpolyethylenimine, having alkylene oxide segments attached to thenitrogen atoms of the polyethylenimine,

wherein the alkylene oxide segments are selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments,preferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxidesegment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments, more preferably the alkyleneoxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment andC₃-C₄-alkylene oxide segments, most preferably the alkylene oxidesegments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-alkylene oxidesegments;

wherein the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in the rangeof from 1 to 120 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, for examplein the range of from 1 to 100 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom,preferably 1 to 80 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, morepreferably 1 to 70 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, mostpreferably 1 to 60 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, such as 1to 55 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, and

wherein the weight average molecular weight (M_(w)) of the alkoxylatedpolyethylenimine is from 1,000 to 1,000,000 g/mole, preferably in therange of 5,000 to 500,000, more preferably in the range of 10,000 to50,000, most preferably in the range of 30,000 to 50,000 g/mol.

Especially this first aspect of the invention relates to use of thealkoxylated polyethylenimine in textile treatment processes in textileindustry, particularly in the textile finishing processes.

In the second aspect, the present invention relates to a textilesoftening composition comprising:

(a) hydrophobic textile softener; and

(b) the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention.

The third aspect of the invention relates to the use of the alkoxylatedpolyethylenimine of the invention as an additive in a textile softeningcomposition.

The fourth aspect of the present invention is a process for treating atextile, comprising a step of contacting the textile softeningcomposition of the present invention with the textile. The fifth aspectof the present invention is a water-repellant composition, whichcomprising:

(A) water-repellant agent, and

(B) the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the invention.

The sixth aspect of the invention relates to the use of the alkoxylatedpolyethylenimine of the invention as an additive in a water-repellantcomposition.

The seventh aspect of the present invention is a process for treating atextile, comprising a step of contacting the water-repellant compositionof the present invention with the textile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs.

Expressions “a”, “an”, and “the”, when used to define a term, includesboth the plural and singular forms of the term.

The term “polymer”, as used herein, includes both homopolymers, that is,polymers prepared from a single reactive compound, and copolymers, thatis, polymers prepared by reaction of at least two polymer formingreactive, monomeric compounds.

The first aspect of the invention relates to an alkoxylatedpolyethylenimine, having alkylene oxide segments attached to thenitrogen atoms of the polyethylenimine,

wherein the alkylene oxide segments are selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments,preferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxidesegment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments, more preferably the alkyleneoxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment andC₃-C₄-alkylene oxide segments, most preferably the alkylene oxidesegments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-alkylene oxidesegments;

wherein the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in the rangeof from 1 to 120 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, for examplein the range of from 1 to 100 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom,preferably 1 to 80 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, morepreferably 1 to 70 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, mostpreferably 1 to 60 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, such as 1to 55 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, and

wherein the weight average molecular weight (M_(w)) of the alkoxylatedpolyethylenimine is from 1,000 to 1,000,000 g/mole, preferably in therange of 5,000 to 500,000, more preferably in the range of 10,000 to50,000, most preferably in the range of 30,000 to 50,000 g/mol

for use in textile treatment processes in textile industry, especiallyin the textile finishing processes.

The average molecular weight Mw may be determined e.g. by gel permeationchromatography (GPC), with 1.5% by weight aqueous formic acid as eluentand cross-linked poly-hydroxyethylmethacrylate as stationary phase.Alternatively, the average molecular weight Mw may be calculated basedon its structure.

The term “polyethylenimine” in the context of the present invention doesnot only refer to polyethylenimine homopolymers but also topolyalkyleneimines containing NH—CH₂—CH₂—NH structural elements togetherwith other alkylene diamine structural elements, for exampleNH—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—NH structural elements, NH—CH₂—CH(CH₃)—NH structuralelements, NH—(CH₂)₄—NH structural elements, NH—(CH₂)₆—NH structuralelements or (NH—(CH₂)₈—NH structural elements but the NH—CH₂—CH₂—NHstructural elements being in the majority with respect to the molarshare. Preferred polyethylenimines contain NH—CH₂—CH₂—NH structuralelements being in the majority with respect to the molar share, forexample amounting to 60 mol-% or more, more preferably amounting to atleast 70 mol-%, referring to all alkyleneimine structural elements. In aspecial embodiment, polyethylenimine refers to those polyalkylene iminesthat bear one or zero alkyleneimine structural element per molecule thatis different from NH—CH₂—CH₂—NH.

The “polyethylenimine” in the context of the present invention isbranched, preferably highly branched. The degree of the branching may bedetermined by a skilled person according to practical application.

In a embodiment wherein the alkylene oxide segments are comprised ofethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments, morepreferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxidesegment and C₃-C₄-alkylene oxide segments, most preferably the alkyleneoxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-alkyleneoxide segments. The molar ratio of ethylene oxide segment to theremaining alkylene oxide segment may be in the range of 1:10 to 6:1, forexample 1:10 to 5:1, preferably in the range of 1:2 to 3:1, morepreferably in the range of 1:1 to 2:1. In a most preferred embodiment,the molar ratio of ethylene oxide segment to the remaining alkyleneoxide segment is 3:2.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the alkylene oxidesegments in the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present inventionare ethylene oxide segments, the amount of the ethylene oxide segmentsis in the range of from 15 to 25 ethylene oxide segments per nitrogenatom, and the weight average molecular weight of the alkoxylatedpolyethylenimine of the present invention is in the range of 15,000 to20,000 g/mol.

In a still preferred embodiment of the present invention, the alkyleneoxide segments in the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the presentinvention are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-alkylene oxidesegments, wherein the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average inthe range of from 35 to 70 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom,preferably the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in therange of from 35 to 60 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, morepreferably the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in therange of from 35 to 55 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, andthe molar ratio of ethylene oxide segment to the remaining alkyleneoxide segment is in the range of 1:10 to 6:1, for example 1:10 to 5:1,preferably in the range of 1:2 to 3:1, more preferably in the range of1:1 to 2:1, such as 3:2, and the weight average molecular weight of thealkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention is in the range offrom 35,000 to 40,000 g/mol.

There is no specific requirement on the process for obtaining thealkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention. The alkoxylatedpolyethylenimine of the present invention can be obtained byalkoxylation of polyethylenimine via a process commonly known in theart. For example, the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the presentinvention may be obtained by the process described in such as U.S. Pat.No. 5,445,765, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention describedherein above, and with its preferred embodiments, is used and appliedfor textile treatment and in textile treatment compositions.

The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention describedherein above, and with its preferred embodiments, can be used andapplied in textile industry in order to address the needs regarding thebalancing of the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity in textile finishingprocess.

The second aspect of the invention relates to a textile softeningcomposition comprising:

(a) hydrophobic textile softener; and

(b) the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention.

The hydrophobic textile softener suitable for the present invention maybe any hydrophobic textile softener. For example, the hydrophobictextile softener may be amino modified silicone oil, wax, ester, longcarbon chain alcohol, and quaternary ammonium compounds, etc. Forexample, without limitation, the hydrophobic textile softeners compriseamino modified silicone oil, for example, amino modified silicone oilswhich have nitrogen content in the range of from 0.1%˜1.0% and Viscosityin the range of from 400 cSt˜20,000 cSt, such as Xiameter® OFX 8209 A,Xiameter® OFX 8417, and Xiameter® OFX 8040 commercially available fromDOW CORNING, Mich., USA; quaternary ammonium compounds; Varisoft® 222from Evonik Industries, Essen, Germany; wax softener prepared with e.g.Honeywell Polymer Wax from Honeywell International, N.J., USA, and thelike.

In the textile softening composition of the present invention, theamount of component (b) is in the range of from 0.1 to 75% by weight,based on the total weight of component (a) and component (b),preferably, the amount of component (b) is in the range of from 1 to 50%by weight, more preferably from 1 to 25% by weight, and most preferablyin the range of from 1 to 20% by weight, such as in the range of from 10to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of component (a) andcomponent (b).

The total amount of the component (a) and component (b) in the textilesoftening composition of the present invention can be determined by askilled person in the art according to practical application, providedthat the obtained the textile softening composition can be effectivelyused for textile treating. For example, the total amount of thecomponent (a) and component (b) in the textile softening composition ofthe present invention may correspond to the amount of a textile softenercontained in a conventional textile softening composition withoutcomponent (b). Generally, such as for amino modified silicone oilsoftener, conventional textile compositions comprise from about 20% toabout 30% by weight of textile softener.

The textile softening composition of the present invention may furthercontain other additives that are generally used in a textile softeningcomposition. Such additives include, without limitation, solvent, water,surfactant, and the like.

Solvents are useful for fluidizing the textile softening composition ofthe present invention, and may provide good dispersibility, and in someembodiments, provide a clear or translucent composition. Suitablesolvents of the present invention can be water-soluble orwater-insoluble. Non-limiting examples of the solvent include ethanol,propanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, t-butanol, propyleneglycol, 1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropyleneglycol, 1,2,3-propanetriol, propylene carbonate, phenylethyl alcohol,2-methyl 1,3-propanediol, hexylene glycol, glycerol, butyl Di-glycolsorbitol, polyethylene glycols, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-pentanediol,1,2-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, pinacol,1,5-hexanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2,4-dimethyl-2,4-pentanediol,2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol (and ethoxylates),2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, phenoxyethanol (and ethoxylates), glycol etherssuch as butyl carbitol and dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, estersolvents such as dimethyl esters of adipic, glutaric, and succinicacids, hydrocarbons such as decane and dodecane, or combinationsthereof. In one embodiment, the composition is free or substantiallyfree of one or more of the above-identified solvents.

The textile softening composition of the present invention may furthercontain water. The level of water in the textile softening compositionof the present invention may be high, for example, at least about 50%,preferably at least about 60%, and more preferably at least about 70%water.

The textile softening composition of the present invention may furthercontain surfactant. Surfactants are emulsifiers for the softener and mayalso help disperse the composition in the wash cycle. Appropriatesurfactant may include nonionic surfactants, for example C₁₂-C₁₈ alkylethoxylates, such as, NEODOL® nonionic surfactants from Shell; cationicsurfactants such as alkoxylate quaternary ammonium (AQA) surfactants;zwitterionic surfactants such as betaine, specific examples includealkyl dimethyl betaine and cocodimethyl amidopropyl betaine; ampholyticsurfactants, such as aliphatic derivatives of secondary or tertiaryamines; and mixtures thereof.

Other additives applicable for a textile softening composition may beincorporated into the textile softening composition of the presentinvention by a skilled person according to practical application.

The third aspect of the present invention is the use of thealkoxylated-polyethylenimine of the invention as an additive in atextile softening composition for treating a textile.

The fourth aspect of the present invention is a process for treating atextile, comprising a step of contacting the textile softeningcomposition of the present invention with the textile. Preferably, thestep of contacting the textile softening composition of the presentinvention with the textile is carried out by immersing the textile intothe textile softening composition of the present invention. Preferably,the process of the invention is exhaust process or padding process.

The fifth aspect of the present invention is a water-repellantcomposition, which comprising

(A) water-repellant agent, and

(B) the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the invention.

The water-repellant agent applicable to the water-repellant compositionof the present invention may be any water-repellant agent used fortextile-treating, textile-finishing, and the like. For example, thewater-repellant agent may be fluoro-containing water-repellant agent orsilicon-containing water-repellant agent.

In the water-repellant composition of the present invention, the amountof component (B) is in the range of from 0.01 to 10% by weight, based onthe total weight of component (A) and component (B), preferably, theamount of component (B) is in the range of from 0.1 to 6% by weight,more preferably from 0.1 to 4% by weight, and most preferably in therange of from 0.1 to 2% by weight, such as 0.1 to 1% by weight, based onthe total weight of component (A) and component (B).

The total amount of the component (A) and component (B) in thewater-repellant composition of the present invention can be determinedby a skilled person in the art according to practical application,provided that the obtained the water-repellant composition can beeffectively used for textile treating. For example, the total amount ofthe component (A) and component (B) in the water-repellant compositionof the present invention may correspond to the amount of afluoro-containing water-repellant agent contained in a conventionalwater-repellant composition without component (B).

The sixth aspect of the invention relates to the use of the alkoxylatedpolyethylenimine of the invention as an additive in a water-repellantcomposition.

The seventh aspect of the present invention is a process for treating atextile, comprising a step of contacting the water-repellant compositionof the present invention with the textile. Preferably, the step ofcontacting the water-repellant composition of the present invention withthe textile is carried out by immersing the textile into thewater-repellant composition of the present invention.

The textile suitable for being treated by the compositions of thepresent invention may be prepared from various natural or syntheticfibers, which could be such as woven, knitted or nonwoven fabric. Forexample, the textile may be prepared from cotton; polyester such asPolyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyamide, such as polyamide 6 andpolyamide 66; PP (polypropylene); and the like.

The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention may be appliedon nature fibre, e.g. cotton, and synthetic fibre, e.g. polyester (suchas PET, Polyglycolide or polyglycolic acid (PGA), Polylactic acid (PLA),Polycaprolactone (PCL), Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), Polyhydroxybutyrate(PHB), Polyethylene adipate (PEA), Polybutylene succinate (PBS),Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), Polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), Polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), Polyethylenenaphthalate (PEN), and so forth), polyamide, polyethylene (PE), PP(polypropylene), and so on, which could be woven, knitted or nonwovenfabric, together with other finishing auxiliary (e.g. softener or waterrepellent) or alone.

For instance, the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present inventionmay be applied to a PE/PP or a PE/Polyester (e.g. PE/PET) bi-componentnonwoven fabric, which is made from continuous filament fibers and isnon-linting or very low in linting, and which comprises a sheath, thatis polyethylene (PE) and a core, that is polypropylene (PP) or apolyester (e.g. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyglycolide orpolyglycolic acid (PGA), Polylactic acid (PLA), Polycaprolactone (PCL),Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), Polyethyleneadipate (PEA), Polybutylene succinate (PBS),Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), Polytrimethyleneterephthalate (PTT) or Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)). The core partprovides strength and polyethylene sheath part provides softness and lowmelting point.

The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention may be appliedin textile industry also for producing textiles for specific purposes,e.g. including but not limited to for medical or hygienic use (e.g.gauze, wound dressings, bandages, diapers, sanitary napkins and soforth), and membrane industry, with the function of improvinghydrophilicity of substrates.

For instance, it improves the flow of the liquids e.g. into an absorbentcore, which is optionally made from cellulose fibers, like a matrix offluff material made from wood pulp, which may also optionallyadditionally include wheat/corn based materials. The liquids areabsorbed by the capillaries in the void spaces between the fibers andthe surface tension angle between the fibers and the water. Analternative to pulp is to use air laid synthetic fibers. Also, celluloseacetate, e.g. used to make cigarette filters, has been used in someabsorbent products, as well as PP synthetic fiber has also beenattempted for absorbent core formation. For some purposes, the absorbentcore may further comprise chemical crystals of absorbent polymers suchas hydrogel, sodium polyacrylate, polyacrylate absorbents, which mayhold the liquids under pressure.

In summary, the present invention relates to the embodiments as follows.

Embodiment 1: An alkoxylated polyethylenimine, having alkylene oxidesegments attached to the nitrogen atoms of the polyethylenimine,

wherein the alkylene oxide segments are selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments,preferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxidesegment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments, more preferably the alkyleneoxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment andC₃-C₄-alkylene oxide segments, most preferably the alkylene oxidesegments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-alkylene oxidesegments;

wherein the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in the rangeof from 1 to 120 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, for examplein the range of from 1 to 100 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom,preferably 1 to 80 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, morepreferably 1 to 70 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, mostpreferably 1 to 60 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, such as 1to 55 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, and

wherein the weight average molecular weight (M_(w)) of the alkoxylatedpolyethylenimine is from 1,000 to 1,000,000 g/mole, preferably in therange of 5,000 to 500,000, more preferably in the range of 10,000 to50,000, most preferably in the range of 30,000 to 50,000 g/mol,

for use in a textile treatment process, especially in a textilefinishing process.

Embodiment 2: The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of embodiment 1, whereinthe alkylene oxide segments are consisting of ethylene oxide segment andC₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments, more preferably the alkylene oxidesegments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₄-alkyleneoxide segments, most preferably the alkylene oxide segments arecomprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-alkylene oxide segments.

Embodiment 3: The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of embodiment 2, whereinthe molar ratio of ethylene oxide segment to the remaining alkyleneoxide segment is in the range of 1:10 to 6:1, for example 1:10 to 5:1,preferably in the range of 1:2 to 3:1, more preferably in the range of1:1 to 2:1, such as 3:2.

Embodiment 4: The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of embodiment 1, whereinthe alkylene oxide segments in the alkoxylated polyethylenimine areethylene oxide segments, the amount of the ethylene oxide segments is inthe range of from 15 to 25 ethylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom,and the weight average molecular weight of the alkoxylatedpolyethylenimine is in the range of 15,000 to 20,000 g/mol.

Embodiment 5: The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of embodiment 2 or 3,wherein the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxidesegment and C₃-alkylene oxide segments, and the amount of alkylene oxidesegments is on average in the range of from 35 to 70 alkylene oxidesegments per nitrogen atom, preferably the amount of alkylene oxidesegments is on average in the range of from 35 to 60 alkylene oxidesegments per nitrogen atom, more preferably the amount of alkylene oxidesegments is on average in the range of from 35 to 55 alkylene oxidesegments per nitrogen atom, and the weight average molecular weight ofthe alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention is in therange of from 35,000 to 40,000 g/mol.

Embodiment 6: The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of embodiment 1, whereinthe alkylene oxide segments in the alkoxylated polyethylenimine areC₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments.

Embodiment 7: The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of embodiment 1 or 2,wherein the C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments in the alkoxylatedpolyethylenimine are C₃-C₄-alkylene oxide segments.

Embodiment 8: The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of embodiment 1 or 2,wherein the C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments in the alkoxylatedpolyethylenimine are C₃-alkylene oxide segments.

Embodiment 9: A textile softening composition comprising:

(a) hydrophobic textile softener; and

(b) the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of any one of embodiments 1-8.

Embodiment 10: The textile softening composition of embodiment 9,wherein the hydrophobic textile softener is selected from the groupconsisting of amino modified silicone oil, wax, ester, long carbon chainalcohol, and quaternary ammonium compounds.

Embodiment 11: The textile softening composition of embodiment 9 or 10,wherein the amount of component (b) is in the range of from 0.1 to 75%by weight, based on the total weight of component (a) and component (b),preferably, the amount of component (b) is in the range of from 1 to 50%by weight, more preferably from 1 to 25% by weight, and most preferablyin the range of from 1 to 20% by weight, such as in the range of from 10to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of component (a) andcomponent (b).

Embodiment 12: The textile softening composition of any one ofembodiments 9-11, wherein the textile softening composition furthercomprises additives such as solvent, surfactant, and the like.

Embodiment 13: The textile softening composition of any one ofembodiments 9-11, wherein the textile to be treated is prepared fromnatural or synthetic fibers, for example, cotton; polyester such asPolyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyamide, such as polyamide 6 andpolyamide 66; polypropylene and the like, preferably the textile iswoven, knitted or nonwoven fabric.

Embodiment 14: A process for treating a textile, comprising a step of

contacting the textile softening composition of any one of embodiments9-13 with the textile, preferably, the step of contacting the textilesoftening composition of any one of embodiments 9-13 with the textile iscarried out by immersing the textile into the textile softeningcomposition of any one of embodiments 9-13.

Embodiment 15: The process of embodiment 14, which is selected fromexhaust process or padding process.

Embodiment 16: A water-repellant composition, which comprising

(A) water-repellant agent, and

(B) the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of any one of embodiments 1-8.

Embodiment 17: The water-repellant composition of embodiment 16, whereinthe water-repellant agent is fluoro-containing water-repellant agent orsilicon-containing water-repellant agent.

Embodiment 18: The water-repellant composition of embodiment 16 or 17,wherein the amount of component (B) is in the range of from 0.01 to 10%by weight, based on the total weight of component (A) and component (B),preferably, the amount of component (B) is in the range of from 0.1 to6% by weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 4% by weight, and mostpreferably in the range of from 0.1 to 2% by weight, such as 0.1 to 1%by weight, based on the total weight of component (A) and component (B).

Embodiment 19: The use of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine as defined inany one of embodiments 1-8 as an additive in a textile softeningcomposition for treating a textile.

Embodiment 20. The use of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine as defined inany one of embodiments 1-8 as as an additive in a water-repellantcomposition for treating a textile.

Embodiment 21: A process for treating a textile, comprising a step ofcontacting the water-repellant composition of any one of embodiments16-18 with the textile, preferably, the step of contacting thewater-repellant composition of any one of embodiments 16-18 with thetextile is carried out by immersing the textile into the water-repellantcomposition of any one of embodiments 16-18.

Embodiment 22: The process of embodiment 14, 15 or 21, wherein thetextile is prepared from natural or synthetic fibers, for example,cotton; polyester such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyamide,such as polyamide 6 and polyamide 66; polypropylene and the like,preferably the textile is woven, knitted or nonwoven fabric.

Advantages of the Invention

The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention will improveexcellent properties of the treated textile, such as hydrophilicity,hand feeling, antistatic/anti-dust properties, and the like.

The present invention provides a stable textile softening composition.The textile softening composition improves excellent hydrophilicity ofthe treated textile, while the soft hand feeling of the textile is kept.Furthermore, after being treated by the textile softening composition ofthe present invention, the treated textile will have excellent washingdurability, which means that after several washing cycles the treatedtextile will keep excellent performances such as soft hand feeling orwater repellence.

In addition, the present invention provides an excellent water-repellantcomposition. The excellent water-repellant composition of the presentinvention improves antistatic/anti-dust properties of the treatedtextile at economical cost. Furthermore, after being treated by thewater-repellant composition of the present invention, the treatedtextile will have excellent washing durability, which means that, afterseveral washing cycles the treated textile will keep excellentperformances such as soft hand feeling or water repellence.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be further illustrated hereinafter with thereference of the specific examples which are exemplary and explanatoryonly and are not restrictive.

Each part and percentage when used, if not defined otherwise, isprovided on weight basis.

In the examples, wicking height was measured according to GB/T 21665,1-2008;

Working solution was prepared from the composition for being applicablein the process.

CIE whiteness was measured according to AATCC Test Method 110-2005, and110-2011 (new one); and

Softness was measured by hand feeling, and rating thereof was providedas follows:

“5”: Best,

“4”: Very good,

“3”: Good,

“2”: Inferior, and

“1”: Worst.

The term “blank” means the fabric is tested as such without treatment.

The improving degree of the alkoxylated polyethylenimines according tothe present invention, shown the different examples for absorbency, handfeeling (softness), and whiteness index (CIE units) of the treatedfabrics, were summarized and generalized accordingly in respectivetables, wherein “+” means improving degree, “++” means higher improvingdegree as comparing with “+” and “−” means somewhat decreased, andwhereas similar or no effects were named as such or not specified atall.

TABLE M Materials that were used: Materials description SupplierXiameter ® Amino modified Silicone, fluid: DOW CORNING, Michigan, USAOFX 8209 A N % = 0.60%, viscosity = 500 cSt; Ingredients: >60 wt % Aminofunctional siloxane <10 wt % Methyl alcohol <1 wt % EthylenediamineXiameter ® Amino modified Silicone, fluid: N % = 0.9%, DOW CORNING,Michigan, USA OFX 8417 viscosity = 1200 cSt; Ingredients: >60 wt %Dimethyl, (aminoethylaminopropyl) methyl Siloxane (CAS-No. 71750-79-3)Xiameter ® Amino modified Silicone, fluid: N % = 0.4%, DOW CORNING,Michigan, USA OFX 8040 viscosity = 3500 cSt; Ingredients: 85.0-100.0 wt% Dimethyl siloxane, (aminoalkyl)methoxymethylsiloxy-anddimethylalkoxy-terminated (CAS- No.188627-10-3) 1.0-5.0 wt % Alcohols,C14-16 (CAS-No. 68333-80-2) Wax O/W Emulsion of CAS-No. 68441-17-8available in Emulsion 23 wt % of oxidized Polyethylene a concentrationof 100% as Homopolymers (CAS-No. 68441-17-8) Honeywell A-C ® 629 fromwith Honeywell International, New Jersey, USA 7 wt %Isotridecanolethoxylate as emulsifier TRANSOFT hydrophilic silicone oil;TRANSFAR INTERNATIONAL HYDRO Ingredient(s): CORP. Zhejiang, China TF405B≥95.0 wt % Polysiloxanes, di-Me,3- hydroxypropyl Me, ethoxylated(CAS-No. 68937-54-2) 2253D amino silicone oil Suzhou Liansheng ChemistryIngredient(s): Co., Ltd., Jiangsu, China 80 wt % amino modifiedpolysiloxane elastomer Varisoft ® Quaternary Amine Tetra-Alkyl AmmoniumEvonik Industries AG, Essen, 222 Sulfate Germany Ingredient(s): ≥80%N,N-Di(2-tallow amidoethyl)-N- methyl-ammonium methyl sulfate 8-10%Isopropanol

The individual components of the compositions applied in the examples,and the contents thereof, are shown in the tables further below, withthe balance, if not stated otherwise, being water.

Applied Finishing Treatment Methods

In the examples below, the fabrics are treated in an exhaust process andin a padding process, which are common chemical finishing treatments intextile industry.

Padding is one of the most common finishing technique, which can beapplied to carry out almost all wet finishing operations. For thepadding process, the dosage of softener is calculated by weight ofworking solution, not by weight of fabric. Hence, the concentration ofthe applied working solution is provided in g of softener compositiondiluted per liter of water.

The treatment of fabrics in exhaustion liquor is another possiblefinishing method, and is recommended when stable chemical products areapplied on the textile substrate. Here the concentration of the appliedsoftener is provided in percentage, % “owf” (or o.w.f.) meaning based onthe weight of fabric, which has to be further diluted accordingly forthe working solution.

TABLE P Alkoxylated PEIs that were used: alkoxylated PEI Descriptionalkoxylated the alkylene oxide segments in the alkoxylated PEI-A PEI-Aare ethylene oxide segments, the amount of the ethylene oxide segmentsis in the range of from 15 to 25 ethylene oxide segments per nitrogenatom, and the weight average molecular weight of alkoxylated PEI-A is inthe range of 15,000 to 20,000 g/mol. alkoxylated the alkylene oxidesegments in alkoxylated PEI-B are PEI-B comprised of ethylene oxidesegment and C₃-alkylene oxide segments, wherein the amount of alkyleneoxide segments is on average in the range of from 35 to 55 alkyleneoxide segments per nitrogen atom, and the molar ratio of ethylene oxidesegment to the remaining alkylene oxide segment is 3:2, and the weightaverage molecular weight of alkoxylated PEI-B is in the range of from35,000 to 40,000 g/mol.

Example 1

Compositions Comprising Amino Modified Silicone Oils (AMS) andAlkoxylated PEI

Nine compositions were prepared in this example.

The amino modified silicone oils (AMS) and emulsifiers used therein arelisted in table 1.

TABLE 1 Amino Modified Silicone Emulsifier used oils (AMS) used with incombination Xiameter ® OFX 8209 A Emulsifier A Xiameter ® OFX 8417Emulsifier A Xiameter ® OFX 8040 Emulsifier B Emulsifier A: C10 + 8EO,C10-Guerbet alcohol alkoxylate; Emulsifier B: C10 + 7EO, C10-Guerbetalcohol alkoxylate.

The alkoxylated PEI used in example 1 was Alkoxylated PEI-A.

For each of the listed amino modified silicone oils, three compositionswere prepared, adjusting the relative amount of Alkoxylated PEI-A andthe amino modified silicone oil.

In order to get clear composition (homogeneous and stable), BDG (ButylDi-glycol) was added.

The amounts of the components of each of the nine compositions arelisted in table 2, with the balance being water.

TABLE 2 Composition Xiameter ® OFX Xiameter ® OFX Xiameter ® OFXAlkoxylated Emulsifier A Emulsifier B BDG No. 8209 A wt % 8417 wt % 8040wt % PEI-A wt % wt % wt %

1-1-A 20 0 12 0 1-1-B 18 2 10.8 3 1-1-C 16 4 9.6 2.5 1-2-A 20 0 12 01-2-B 18 2 10.8 0.5 1-2-C 16 4 9.6 1 1-3-A 20 0 12 0 1-3-B 18 2 10.8 31-3-C 16 4 9.6 1

indicates data missing or illegible when filed

The obtained 9 compositions were tested in Exhaust process and Paddingprocess to evaluate the absorbency and softness of the textile treatedby these compositions.

1.1. Exhaust Process

In the exhaust process, the 9 compositions of table 2 were tested.

The fabrics used in the test were terry tower and cotton knits.

The Process parameters of the Exhaust Process were provided as follows:

Fabric Cotton knits and Terry towel Equipment Dyeing controller DC4 F/RSP (H.T.H.P beaker dyeing machine), Model GN084088, commercial availablefrom R.B. Electronic and Engineering Pvt Ltd, India, Softener To beapplied in 0.6% by weight of fabric (after having (Compositions beendiluted accordingly to a working solution) of table 2) pH 4.5-5.5 Liquorratio 1:10 (fabric: working solution, by weight) Process Soak at roomtemperature for 20 min at 40° C. Squeeze and then dry at 120° C. for 5min, followed by drying at 160° C. for 2 min. Keep the obtained fabricsat 24° C. for 2 hours for balance, then Measure the wicking height(after 5 min and 30 min respectively), Water absorbency Whiteness Index(CIE Standard Illuminant D65) and hand feeling.

The obtained data are reported in table 3 and table 4 below.

It can be seen that in the exhaust process, for three compositions ofeach amino modified silicone oil, the absorbency of the treated fabricwas improved as the amount of the amount of alkoxylated PEI increases,while the softness was almost remained.

1.2. Padding Process

The 9 compositions of table 2 were also tested in the Padding process.

The fabrics used in the test were cotton knits and cotton woven.

The process parameters of the Padding process were provided as follows:

Fabric Cotton knits, cotton woven Equipment Laboratory universal paddingmangle, Model HV0230708, commercial available from R.B. Electronic andEngineering Pvt Ltd, India Softener To be applied in 6 g/l; calculatedbased on softener/ (Compositions working solution of table 2) pH 4.5-5.5Process Liquor (working solution) up-take 100% for padding, Squeeze, dryat 120° C. for 5 min, followed by drying at 160° C. for 2 min Keep theobtained fabrics at 24° C. for 2 hr's for balance, then Measure: wickingheight (after 5 min and 30 min respectively), Water absorbency WhitenessIndex (CIE Standard Illuminant D65), and hand feeling.

The obtained data were shown in table 3 and table 4.

Therein, it can be seen that in the Padding process, for threecompositions of each amino modified silicone oil, the absorbency of thetreated fabric was improved as the amount of the amount of alkoxylatedPEI increases, while the softness was remained or improved and thewithness index was not adversely affected.

TABLE 3 Absorbency (seconds [s]) Whiteness Index (CIE Units) ExhaustProcess Padding Process Exhaust Process Padding Process Compositionfabric fabric fabric fabric No. Terry Towel Cotton Knits Cotton KnitsCotton Woven Terry Towel Cotton Knits Cotton Knits Cotton Woven BlankInstant Instant Instant  20 s 65.1 78.9 79.1 77.2 1-1-A 20-22 s 45-55 s6-7 s 150 s 64.1 76 77.8 71.1 1-1-B 13-15 s 30-35 s  5 s 135 s 63.8 75.778.1 74.9 1-1-C  7-8 s 20-25 s 4-5 s  135 s 64.1 77.1 78.1 72.8 1-2-A28-29 s   40 s 10 s 100 s 59.3 74.7 77.6 69.2 1-2-B 18-19 s   20 s  8 s 75 s 60.9 76 77.6 74.3 1-2-C 15-16 s   15 s  7 s  70 s 62.1 78.6 77.773.8 1-3-A   85 s 65-40 s 12 s  65 s 63.8 76.7 75.6 75.4 1-3-B 23-28 s20-25 s 10 s  55 s 64.2 79.1 75.7 75.4 1-3-C 12-14 s 20-22 s 9-10 s   50 s 64.2 78.8 76.1 75.6

TABLE 4 softness Exhaust Process Padding Process Composition fabricfabric No. Terry Towel Cotton Knits Cotton Knits Cotton Woven 1-1-A 4 44 4 1-1-B 4 4 5 5 1-1-C 4 4 5 4 1-2-A 5 4 4 4 1-2-B 4 4 5 5 1-2-C 4 3 45 1-3-A 4 4 4 4 1-3-B 4 4 5 5 1-3-C 4 4 5 5

The improving degree of Alkoxylated PEI-A for the absorbency, handfeeling (softness), and whiteness index (CIE units) of the fabrics inexhaust process and padding process respectively was generalized intable 5, wherein “+” means improving degree and “++” means higherimproving degree as comparing with “+”.

TABLE 5 Alkoxylated PEI-A: Terry Towel Cotton Knits Exhaust ProcessHydrophilicity (++) Hydrophilicity (+) Hand feeling (+) Hand feelingWhiteness Index: Similar Whiteness Index (+) Alkoxylated PEI-A: CottonKnits Cotton Woven Padding Process Hydrophilicity: SlightHydrophilicity: Slight Improvement Improvement Hand feeling Hand feelingWhiteness Index: Similar Whiteness Index (+)

Example 2

Compositions Comprising Hydrophobic Textile Softener and Alkoxylated PEI

2.1. Compositions comprising Cationic softener and alkoxylated PEI

In these compositions, alkoxylated PEI-A was used as alkoxylated PEItogether with a cationic softener.

The parameters of the Cationic softener were provided as follows:Description pH 1% Dilution % Solids Cationic softener A quaternary4.0-4.5 Translucent 13.3 ammonium compounds, white milky emulsion

Three compositions were prepared as shown in table 6.

TABLE 6 Composition Composition Composition Components 2-1-A 2-1-B 2-1-CCationic softener A   14% 12.60% 11.20% (% by weight) Alkoxylated PEI-A0  1.40%  2.80% (% by weight) Emulsifier C (% by weight) 0.70% 0 0 Water(% by weight) 85.30%    86%   86% Total:  100%  100%  100% Emulsifier C:C16-C18 fatty alcohol alkoxylate, (25EO).

In table 6, composition 2-1-A contained Cationic softener without theaddition of the alkoxylated PEI present invention; Composition 2-1-Bcontained the Cationic softener wherein 10% by weight of the Cationicsoftener was replaced by Alkoxylated PEI-A; and Composition 2-1-Ccontained Cationic softener wherein 20% by weight of the Cationicsoftener was replaced by Alkoxylated PEI-A.

The obtained three compositions were used for treating fabrics inExhaust process and Padding process.

The process parameters of the Exhaust process were provided as follows.

Fabric Cotton knits and Terry towel Softener To be applied in 2% o.w.f.(and comprising 0.3% (Compositions active components after having beendiluted of table 6) accordingly to a working solution) Equipment Dyeingcontroller DC4 F/R SP (H.T.H.P beaker dyeing machine), Model GN084088,commercial available from R.B. Electronic and Engineering Pvt Ltd,India, pH 4.5-5.5 Liquor ratio 1:10 (fabric: working solution, byweight) Process Soak at room temperature for 20 min at 40° C. SqueezeDry at 120° C. for 5 min, followed by drying at 160° C. for 2 min Keepthe obtained fabrics at 24° C. for 2 hr's for balance, then Measure thewicking height (after 5 min and 30 min respectively), Water absorbencyWhiteness Index (CIE Standard Illuminant D65), and hand feeling

The process parameters of the Padding process were provided as follows:

Fabric Cotton knits and Terry towel Equipment Laboratory universalpadding mangle, Model HV0230708, commercial available from R.B.Electronic and Engineering Pvt Ltd, India Softener To be applied in 20gpl (and comprising 3 gpl active (Compositions components); calculatedbased on softener/working of table 6) solution pH 4.5-5.5 Process Liquor(working solution) up-take 100% for padding, squeeze and dry at 120° C.for 5 min, followed by drying at 160° C. for 2 min. Keep the obtainedfabrics at 24 ° C. for 2 hr's for balance, then Measure the wickingheight (after 5 min and 30 min respectively), Water absorbency WhitenessIndex (CIE Standard Illuminant D65), and hand feeling.

Water absorbency of the treated fabrics is reported in the table 7.

TABLE 7 Absorbency (seconds, s) Exhaust Process Padding ProcessComposition fabric fabric No. Terry Towel Cotton Knits Terry TowelCotton Knits 2-1-A Instant Instant 30-40 s 20-25 s  2-1-B InstantInstant 13-14 s  6-7 s 2-1-C Instant Instant 12-13 s  2-3 s

Softness Rating is provided as follows:

Composition 2-1-B>Composition 2-1-C>Composition 2-1-A.

The improving degree of Alkoxylated PEI-A for the absorbency, handfeeling (softness), and whiteness index (CIE units) of the fabrics inexhaust process and padding process respectively was generalized intable 8, wherein “+” means improving degree, “++” means higher improvingdegree as comparing with “+”, and “−” means somewhat decreased.

TABLE 8 Alkoxylated PEI-A: Terry Towel Cotton Knits Exhaust ProcessHydrophilicity: no effect Hydrophilicity: no effect Hand feeling: (++)Hand feeling Whiteness Index: (−) Whiteness Index: Similar AlkoxylatedPEI-A: Terry Towel Cotton Knits Padding Process Hydrophilicity: (++)Hydrophilicity: (++) Hand feeling: (+) Hand feeling Whiteness Index:Similar Whiteness Index: Similar

2.2. Compositions Comprising Wax Softener and Alkoxylated PEI

In these compositions, Wax Emulsion was used as wax softener.

The parameters of Wax Emulsion are provided as follows:

Appearance pH 1% Dilution % Solids Wax Emulsion Amber Colored 2.5-3.0Clear Amber 20 Clear Liquid Colored Liquid

Three compositions were prepared as follows in table 9, with the balancebeing water.

TABLE 9 Composition Composition Composition Components 2-2-A 2-2-B 2-2-CWax Emulsion diluted with 100 100 100 water to 20% by weight)Alkoxylated PEI-A diluted 0 10 20 with water to 20% by weight)

The test results of absorbency of fabrics treated in Exhaust process andPadding process with Composition 2-2-A, Composition 2-2-B, andComposition 2-2-C are provided in table 10.

The process parameters of the Exhaust process were provided as follows.

Fabric Cotton knits and Terry towel Softener 2% o.w.f. (and 0.4% ofactive components; after (Compositions having been diluted accordinglyto a working solution) of table 9) Equipment Dyeing controller DC4 F/RSP (H.T.H.P beaker dyeing machine), Model GN084088, commercial availablefrom R.B. Electronic and Engineering Pvt Ltd, India, pH 4.5-5.5 Liquorratio 1:10 (fabric: working solution, by weight) Process Soak at roomtemperature for 20 min at 40° C. Squeeze Dry at 120° C. for 5 min,followed by drying at 160° C. for 2 min Keep the obtained fabrics at 24°C. for 2 hr's for balance, then Measure: the wicking height (after 5 minand 30 min respectively), Water absorbency, Whiteness Index (CIEStandard Illuminant D65), and hand feeling.

The process parameters of the Padding process were provided as follows.

Fabric Cotton knits and Terry towel Equipment Laboratory universalpadding mangle, Model HV0230708, commercial available from R.B.Electronic and Engineering Pvt Ltd, India Softener 20 gpl (and 4 gplactive components; calculated (Compositions based on softener/workingsolution) of table 9) pH 4.5-5.5 Process Liquor (working solution)up-take 100% for padding, squeeze dry at 120° C. for 5 min, followed bydrying at 160° C. for 2 min Keep the obtained fabrics at 24° C. for 2hr's for balance, then Measure the wicking height (after 5 min and 30min respectively), Water absorbency Whiteness Index (CIE StandardIlluminant D65), and hand feeling.

TABLE 10 Absorbency (seconds, s) Exhaust Process Padding ProcessComposition fabric fabric No. Terry Towel Cotton Knits Terry TowelCotton Knits blank Instant Instant 15 s 15-17 s 2-2-A 8-9 s   2 s >1minutes >2 minutes 2-2-B 3-4 s 1-2 s  >1 minutes 1 min 20 seconds 2-2-C1-2 s 1-2 s  >1 minutes 40-45 s

Softness Rating:

Composition 2-2-C>Composition 2-2-B>Composition 2-2-A.

The improving degree of Alkoxylated PEI-A for the absorbency, handfeeling (softness), and whiteness index (CIE units) of the fabrics inexhaust process and padding process respectively was generalized intable 11, wherein “+” means improving degree, and “++” means higherimproving degree as comparing with “+”.

TABLE 11 Alkoxylated PEI-A: Terry Towel Cotton Knits Exhaust ProcessHydrophilicity: (+) Hydrophilicity: Similar Hand feeling: (++) Handfeeling Whiteness Index: (++) Whiteness Index: (+) Alkoxylated PEI-A:Terry Towel Cotton Knits Padding Process Hydrophilicity: SimilarHydrophilicity: (++) Hand feeling: (++) Hand feeling Whiteness Index:(++) Whiteness Index: (+)

Example 3

Compositions Comprising Alkoxylated PEI-A and Hydrophilic Silicone Oils

3.1. Padding Process

The test for performance comparison was carried out in the paddingprocess.

The process parameters were provided as follows:

Fabric Cotton knits Equipment Rapid Padding Mangle Softener To beapplied in 4 g/l; calculated based on softener/ (compositions workingsolution according table 12) pH 4.5 Process up-take 100% for padding,and dry at 160° C. for 120 s, 2 hr's balance then measure the wickingheight (5 min & 30 min) and hand feeling.

The comparison results were provided in table 12 and table 13. Table 13provided the test results measured without washing (0), after one timewashing (1), after two times washing (2), after three times washing (3),after four times washing (4), and after five times washing (5).

In table 12, the compositions comprised the hydrophilic silicone oil(HSO) TF405B and amino silicone oil (ASO) 2253D as softeners in water assolvent.

TABLE 12 Performance Comparison between Alkoxylated PEI-A andhydrophilic silicone oils (Padding Process) Wicking height Hand In [cm],In [cm], Composition feeling after after Components No. Conc. (softness)5 min 30 min Amino hydrophilic 3-1-A 1 g/l ASO + 4 8.6 17 siliconesilicone oil 3 g/l HSO oil emulsion Alkoxylated 3-1-B 1 g/l ASO + 4-56.3 13 PEI-A 3 g/l Alkoxylated PEI-A Amino silicone oil 3-1-C 1 g/l 4-55.5 14 hydrophilic silicone oil 3-1-D 3 g/l 2 10.2 18.3 emulsionAlkoxylated PEI-A 3-1-E 3 g/l 2 10.3 18.3 Amino silicone oil 3-1-F 4 g/l5 3.3 11 emulsion Blank 3-1-G — 1 10.6 18.7

TABLE 13 Durability Comparison between Alkoxylated PEI-A and hydrophilicsilicone oils (Padding Process) hand hand hand hand hand handComposition feeling wicking feeling wicking feeling wicking feelingwicking feeling wicking feeling wicking No. 0 height* 0 1 height* 1 2height* 2 3 height* 3 4 height* 4 5 height* 5 3-1-A 4 8.6 3 7.6 3 6.6 25.7 2 7.3 2 6.5 17 14.5 11.6 11.2 12 10.5 3-1-B 4-5 6.3 4 6.7 3 5.5 35.2 3 5.5 2 5.6 13 12.5 10.6 9.2 8.5 8 3-1-C 4-5 5.5 4 5 3 4 3 6.1 3 5 27 14 10.2 8.3 8.2 9 10 3-1-D 2 10.2 1 12 1 12.5 1 13.5 1 13.5 1 13.518.3 21 21.9 21.9 21.9 21.9 3-1-E 2 10.3 1 12 1 11.5 1 13 1 13 1 13.518.3 21.9 21.5 21.9 21.9 21.9 3-1-F 5 3.3 5 3.5 4 1.5 4 3.6 3 4 3 1.5 117.8 4.7 8 8 3 3-1-G 1 10.6 1 13 1 13 1 14 1 13.5 1 13.5 18.7 21.9 21.921.9 21.9 21.9 *For wicking height of each composition in each test, theupper value was measured after 5 minutes, and the lower value wasmeasured after 30 minutes, with unit of cm.

3.2. Exhaust Process The test for performance comparison was carried outin the Exhaust process. The process parameters of the Exhaust processwere provided as follows.

Fabric Cotton knits Equipment Mathis with type No. BFA12 221210 SoftenerTo be applied in 4% o.w.f. (of weight fabric), after (compositionshaving been diluted accordingly to a working solution); according table12) pH 4.5 Liquor ratio 1:20 (fabric:working solution, by weight)Process Soak at room temperature for 15 min, up-take 70% for padding,and dry at 160° C. for 120 s. (e.g. 0.4 g softener (as it is), 10 gfabric, soft water 200 g.) 2 hr's balance then measure the wickingheight (5 min & 30 min) and hand feeling.

The comparison results were provided in table 14 and table 15.

TABLE 14 Performance Comparison between Alkoxylated PEI-A andhydrophilic silicone oils (Exhaust Process) Hand Wicking Compo- feelingheight sition (soft- cm, cm, Components No. Conc. ness) 5 min 30 minAmino hydrophilic 3-2-A 1% ASO + 3  9.8 17.7 silicone silicone oil 3%HSO    oil emulsion Alkoxylated 3-2-B 1% ASO + 3  9   16   PEI-A 3%Alkoxylated PEI-A Amino silicone oil 3-2-C 1% 3  8.8 15.7 hydrophilicsilicone 3-2-D 3% 2 11.2 19.5 oil emulsion Alkoxylated PEI-A 3-2-E 3% 211.4 19.4 Amino silicone oil 3-2-F 4% 4  7   13.5 emulsion Blank 3-2-G —1 10.6 18.7

TABLE 15 Durability Comparison between Alkoxylated PEI-A and hydrophilicsilicone oils (Exhaust Process) hand hand hand hand hand handComposition feeling wicking feeling wicking feeling wicking feelingwicking feeling wicking feeling wicking No. 0 height* 0 1 height* 1 2height* 2 3 height* 3 4 height* 4 5 height* 5 3-2-A 3 9.8 3 11 2 10 111.2 1 11.3 1 12.5 17.7 18.7 18 21.9 21.9 21.9 3-2-B 3 9 2 11.5 2 11 112.5 1 12 1 13.5 16 18.5 18.6 21.3 21.9 21.9 3-2-C 3 8.8 2 11.5 2 11.6 113.6 1 12.5 1 13.5 15.7 20.5 21 21.9 21.9 21.9 3-2-D 2 11.2 1 12.1 111.5 1 13.3 1 13.5 1 13.5 19.5 21 21 21 21.9 21.9 3-2-E 2 11.4 1 12.5 112 1 14.1 1 15 1 13.5 19.4 21.9 21.3 21.9 21.9 21.9 3-2-F 4 7 4 5.2 34.5 3 6.2 2 6 2 4 13.5 10.7 10.1 10.5 11 8 3-2-G 1 10.6 1 13 1 13 1 14 113.5 1 13.5 18.7 21.9 21.9 21.9 21.9 21.9 *For wicking height of eachcomposition in each test, the upper value was measured after 5 minutes,and the lower value was measured after 30 minutes.

Example 4

Compositions Comprising Alkoxylated PEI-A and Alkoxylated PEI-B

Five compositions were prepared as textile softening compositions,wherein amino modified silicone oil type softener Xiameter® OFX 8040(AMS) was used.

The raw materials used for preparing the compositions were provided intable 16.

TABLE 16 Products Used Appearance Xiameter ® OFX 8040 (AMS) Viscousflowing liquid Emulsifier B free flowing clear liquid Alkoxylated PEI-Aviscous slightly yellow liquid Alkoxylated PEI-B viscous slightly yellowliquid Emulsifier B: C10 + 7EO, C10-Guerbet alcohol alkoxylate.

The components of each composition and the contents thereof were list intable 17, with the balance being water.

TABLE 17 Composition No. 4-1-1 4-1-2 4-1-3 4-1-4 4-1-5 Xiameter ® OFX8040, % 20 16 16 Emulsifier B, % 12 9.6 9.6 Alkoxylated PEI-A, % 32 4Alkoxylated PEI-B, % 32 4 Total, % 32 32 32 29.6 29.6

4.1. Test of the Fabrics Treated by the Compositions as Above in theExhaust Process.

Cotton Terry Towel was used as fabric to be treated in this test. Eachof the compositions was used and applied in dosage of 2% owf (of weightfabric). The fabric liquid (work solution) ratio was 1:10, and the pHvalues of the compositions were in the range of from 5.0 to 6.0.

The process was carried at 40° C. for 20 min.

The results were reported in table 18.

TABLE 18 Composition No. Absorbency (second) Softness Rating BlankInstant 1   4-1-1 2.0     3   4-1-2 Instant 1   4-1-3 Instant 1   4-1-41.0     3-4 4-1-5 1.0-2.0 3-4

The data in table 18 showed that: Blank Cotton Terry Towel had very fastwater droplet absorbency (instant), however Hand feeling was poor (seesample Blank); when being treated with amino modified silicon oilsoftener, the Hand feeling of the treated fabric was increased, thehydrophilicity was then decreased (2 seconds) (see fabric treated withcomposition 4-1-1); using only Alkoxylated PEI-A or Alkoxylated PEI-Bwould not benefit to soft hand feeling of the treated fabric (seefabrics treated with composition 4-1-2 and composition 4-1-3) either;but when 20% amino modified silicone oil softener was replaced byAlkoxylated PEI-A or Alkoxylated PEI-B, the hydrophilicity was improvedas compared with the fabric treated with composition 4-1

4.2. Test of the Fabrics Treated by the Compositions as Above in PaddingProcess

PET fabric was used as fabric to be treated in this test. Each of thecompositions was used in dosage of 20 g/L. The pH values of thecompositions were in the range of 5.0 to 6.0.

The process was carried at pressure of 2.5 kg, and the % pickup was 65%.The results were reported in table 19.

TABLE 19 Composition No. Absorbency Softness Rating Blank   1 min 56second 1 4-1-1 >5 min 3 4-1-2   2 min 1 4-1-3   1 min 10 sec 1 4-1-4   3minute 2 4-1-5   2 min 50 second 2

The data in table 19 showed that: Blank PET fabric was relativehydrophobic as compared with cotton, and the hand feeling thereof wasalso poor (sample Blank); when being treated with amino modified siliconoil softener, hand feeling of the treated PET fabric was increased, andthe hydrophilicity was then obviously decreased (fabric treated withcomposition 4-1-1); when 20% amino modified silicone oil softener wasreplaced by Alkoxylated PEI-A or Alkoxylated PEI-B, the hydrophilicityof the treated fabric was obviously improved as compared with the PETfabric treated with composition 4-1-1.

4.3. Test of the Fabrics Treated by the Compositions ContainingAlkoxylated PEI-A, Hydrophilic Silicone Oil and/or Alkoxylated PEI-B inPadding Process

The fabrics used in the test was woven PET which is hydrophobic. Processparameters of the Padding Process were provided as follows.

Fabric woven PET Equipment Rapid Padding Mangle Softener To be applied:4 g/l; calculated based on softener/ (compositions working solution4-1-1 to 4-1-5 according to table 17) pH 4.5 Process up-take 70% forpadding, and dry at 160° C. for 120 s, 2 hr's balance, then measurewicking height (5 min & 30 min) and hand feeling. (PET woven)

Five compositions were prepared as shown in table 20 to test theproperties of the fabrics treated by the compositions containingAlkoxylated PEI-A, hydrophilic silicone oil and/or Alkoxylated PEI-B inPadding Process.

TABLE 20 Composition Wicking height Hand No. Components cm, 5 min cm, 30min feeling Blank 0 0.2 1 4-2-1 4 g/L 2253D 1.5 7.2 1 ~ 2 4-2-2 3 g/L2253D + 4.9 10.8 1 ~ 2 1 g/L TF40513 4-2-3 3 g/L 2253D + 1.9 7.6 1 ~ 2 1g/L Alkoxylated PEI-A 4-2-4 3 g/L 2253D + 5.8 12.9 1 ~ 2 1 g/LAlkoxylated PEI-B

It can be seen that for PET woven fabrics, the fabric treated withcomposition 4-2-4 showed better hydrophilic performance than the fabricstreated with other compositions in table 20.

Example 5

Compositions Comprising Alkoxylated PEI-A, Alkoxylated PEI-B and/orQuaternary Ammonium Compound

The quaternary ammonium compound used in example 5 was Varisoft® 222having the Chemical structure of:

Five compositions were prepared wherein the softeners contained thereinwere described in table 21.

TABLE 21 Softeners that contained Composition 5-1 Varisoft ® 222 only,100 parts by weight Composition 5-2 Varisoft ® 222 and Alkoxylated PEI-A(PEI-A), 100 parts by weight in total, wherein the Varisoft222:Alkoxylated PEI-A = 9:1 by weight Composition 5-3 Varisoft ® 222 andAlkoxylated PEI-B (PEI-B), 100 parts by weight in total, wherein theVarisoft 222:Alkoxylated PEI-B = 9:1 by weight Composition 5-4Varisoft ® 222 and Alkoxylated PEI-A (PEI-A), 100 parts by weight intotal, wherein the Varisoft 222:Alkoxylated PEI-A = 8:2 by weightComposition 5-5 Varisoft ® 222 and Alkoxylated PEI-B (PEI-B), 100 partsby weight in total, wherein the Varisoft 222:Alkoxylated PEI-A = 8:2 byweight

5.1. TEST 1, Exhaust Process, 100% Cotton Fabric

Process Described:

12 g Cotton Fabric in 240 ml working solution, (adjusting the pH to 4.5by acetic acid, fabric to Liquor (working solution) ratio=1:20);

Softener (Compositions 5-1 to 5-5 of table 21)=2% owf (of weightfabric);

Fabrics were soaked in the working solution at room temperature (RT) for15 min, up-take 70% for padding, and dry at 160° C. for 120 s.

More than 2 hours balance.

Equipment: Mathis with type No. BFA12 221210

Test results were reported in table 22 and 23.

TABLE 22 wicking height Compo- Composition Composition sition BlankComposition 5-2 5-3 Time wicking 5-1 Varisoft ® 222: Varisoft ® 222:(after) height Varisoft ® 222 PEI-A = 9:1 PEI-B = 9:1  2 min   9 cm 3.9cm 4.9 cm 4.8 cm  5 min   12 cm 4.8 cm 5.7 cm 5.4 cm 30 min 20.3 cm 5.9cm 8.4 cm   8 cm

TABLE 23 Hand feeling Composition Composition Composition 5-2 5-3 5-1Varisoft ® 222: Varisoft ® 222 Composition Blank Varisoft ® 222: PEI-A =9:1 PEI-B = 9:1 Hand feeling Stiff Soft Soft Soft

It can be seen from table 22 and 23 that Blank cotton fabric was veryhydrophilic with poor hand feeling; with Cotton Fabric treated withComposition 5-1, hand feeling got obviously improved, wicking heighthowever was decreased a lot, as compared with the blank sample;

The Composition 5-2 with 10% Alkoxylated PEI-A and Composition 5-3 with10% Alkoxylated PEI-B improved the hydrophilicity of the treated fabricwithout influencing hand feeling, as compared with Cotton Fabric treatedwith Composition 5-1.

5.2. TEST 2, Exhaust Process, 100% PET Fabric (Hydrophobic)

Process Described:

12 g PET Fabric in 240 ml working solution, (adjusting the pH to 4.5 byacetic acid, fabric to Liquor (working solution) ratio=1:20);

Softener (Compositions 5-1 to 5-5 of table 21)=2% owf (of weightfabric);

Fabrics were soaked in the working solution at room temperature (RT) for15 min, up-take 70% for padding, and dry at 160° C. for 120 s.

More than 2 hours balance.

Equipment: Mathis with type No. BFA12 221210.

Test results were reported in table 24 and 25.

TABLE 24 wicking height Composition Composition Composition CompositionComposition 5-2 5-3 5-4 5-5 5-1 Varisoft ® Varisoft ® Varisoft ®Varisoft ® Varisoft ® 222:PEI- 222:PEI- 222:PEI- 222:PEI- CompositionBlank 222 A = 9:1 B = 9:1 A = 8:2 B = 8:2  2 min 2.4 cm  5.4 cm  5.7 cm 5.1 cm  5.6 cm  5.5 cm  5 min 2.9 cm  6.8 cm  7.3 cm  6.5 cm  7.4 cm 7.3 cm 30 min 4.3 cm 11.0 cm 11.0 cm 11.4 cm 12.2 cm 12.7 cm

TABLE 25 Hand feeling Composition Composition Composition CompositionComposition 5-2 5-3 5-4 5-5 5-1 Varisoft ® Varisoft ® Varisoft ®Varisoft ® Varisoft ® 222:PEI- 222:PEI- 222:PEI- 222:PEI- CompositionBlank 222 A = 9:1 B = 9:1 A = 8:2 B = 8:2 Hand Stiff Soft Soft SoftRough Soft feeling

It can be seen from table 24 and 25 that Blank PET fabric (hydrophobic)had poor hand feeling; With hydrophobic PET Fabric treated withComposition 5-1, hand feeling got obviously improved, wicking height wasalso raised, as compared with the blank sample;

Composition 5-5 with 20% Alkoxylated PEI-B improved the hydrophilicityof the treated PET Fabric (hydrophobic) without influencing handfeeling, as compared with the blank sample.

The overall performance of the fabrics treated with Composition 5-4 andComposition 5-5 was improved as compared with the Cotton Fabric treatedwith Composition 5-1.

5.3. TEST 3, Exhaust Process, 100% PET Fabric (Relative Hydrophilic)

Process Described:

12 g 100% PET Fabric (relative Hydrophilic) in 240 ml working solution,(adjusting the pH to 4.5 by acetic acid, fabric to Liquor (workingsolution) ratio=1:20);

Softener (as it is)=2% owf (of weight fabric);

Fabrics were soaked in the working solution at room temperature (RT) for15 min, up-take 70% for padding, and dry at 160° C. for 120 s.

More than 2 hours balance.

Equipment: Mathis with type No. BFA12 221210.

Test results were reported in table 26 and 27.

TABLE 26 wicking height Composition Composition Composition CompositionComposition 5-2 5-3 5-4 5-5 5-1 Varisoft ® Varisoft ® Varisoft ®Varisoft ® Varisoft ® 222:PEI-A = 222:PEI-B = 222:PEI-A = 222:PEI-B =Composition Blank 222 9:1 9:1 8:2 8:2  2 min 3.7 cm 4.8 cm 5.2 cm 5.1 cm5.6 cm 5.1 cm  5 min 4.2 cm 5.9 cm 6.2 cm 6.2 cm 6.7 cm 6.4 cm 30 min4.6 cm 8.6 cm 9.8 cm 9.2 cm 10.1 cm  9.5 cm

TABLE 27 Hand feeling Composition Composition Composition 5-3 5-4 5-1Varisoft ® 222: Varisoft ® 222: Composition Blank Varisoft ® 222 PEI-B =9:1 PEI-A = 8:2 Hand feeling Rough Soft Soft Soft

It can be seen from table 26 and 27 that Blank PET fabric (relativehydrophilic) had poor hand feeling; With PET Fabric (relativehydrophilic) treated with Composition 5-1, hand feeling got obviouslyimproved, wicking height was also raised, as compared with the blanksample; Composition 5-3 with 10% Alkoxylated PEI-B and Composition 5-4with 20% Alkoxylated PEI-A improved hydrophilicity of the treated PETFabric (relative hydrophilic) without influencing hand feeling, ascompared with the blank sample.

Example 6

Effect of Alkoxylated PEI-B on Non-Woven Fabric Samples

To study the effect of Alkoxylated PEI-B on a non-woven fabric, threesamples of a non-woven fabric were prepared, wherein the non-wovenfabric was made of fiber composed of PE (polyethylene) sheath and PET(poly(ethylene terephthalate)) core.

The three samples were provided in table 28. The non-woven fabric usedfor preparing the three samples was obtained from the same batch.

TABLE 28 Sample 6.1 non-woven fabric sample, not treated Sample 6.2non-woven fabric sample, treated with Alkoxylated PEI-B Sample 6.3non-woven fabric sample, treated with oleic acid ethoxylate with HLBvalue 9 (nonionic surfactant)

6.1 Evaluation of the Diffusion Distance

The test was carried out on a sample as provided above on a liquidabsorbing substrate (made from a disposable diaper) at room temperature.

The disposable diaper used in the example 6 had layers sequentially asfollows:

-   -   a top sheet nonwoven layer;    -   a acquisition distribution layer (a PE/PET bi-component nonwoven        layer, with sheath being PE, and core being PET);    -   absorbent pad layer (consisted of (a) water-absorbing polymers        and (b) fibrous materials);    -   bottom sheet nonwoven layer.

The disposable diaper was used as such and not treated.

In the test, the acquisition distribution layer of the diaper wassubstituted by one of the above samples, thereby forming a liquidabsorbing device. 150 ml colored normal saline was poured on the liquidabsorbing device through a PVC sleeve (having an inner diameter of 6 cmand an outer diameter of 7 cm) with one end contacting directly to thetop sheet layer of the liquid absorbing device. Time recording startedonce the colored normal saline reached to the top sheet layer of theliquid absorbing device, and ended once the liquid level of the colorednormal saline was disappeared in the PVC sleeve. The obtained time wasreported as “Acquisition time” in table 29.

In addition, the longest diffusion distance of the colored normal salineon the top sheet layer of the liquid absorbing device and the shortestdiffusion distance of the colored normal saline on the top sheet layerof the liquid absorbing device were measured and reported on the table29.

After the diffusion of the colored normal saline on the top sheet layerof the liquid absorbing device was finished, the diffusion on theabsorbent pad layer of the liquid absorbing device was further studied.The longest diffusion distance of the colored normal saline on theabsorbent pad layer of the liquid absorbing device and the shortestdiffusion distance of the colored normal saline on the absorbent padlayer of the liquid absorbing device were further measured and reportedon the table 29.

The test was carried out for each of the three samples provided in table28.

6.2 Evaluation of the Rewetting Property

Further to the test in section 6.1, rewetting property was tested. Apiece of dry filter paper was provided and weighted. The weight of thedry filter paper was reported as the initial weight. Then the dry filterpaper was put on top of the top sheet layer of the wetted liquidabsorbing device obtained according to the experimental procedure ofsection 6.1, and a 3.6 kg weight was placed on the filter paper for 2minutes. Then the weight was taken away, and the weight of the wettedfilter paper was measured as the wetted weight.

The rewetting property was characterized according to the wetted weightof the filter paper minus the initial weight of the filter paper, whichwas reported as “rewet” in table 29.

Rewet=the wetted weight of the filter paper−the initial weight of thefilter paper.

The test was carried out for each of the three samples provided in table28. The dry filter paper used for testing each sample was of the samecondition.

TABLE 29 Sample 6.1 Sample 6.2 Sample 6.3 ¹Acquisition time(s) 16 15 15Rewet (g) 1.3 0.8 1.6 Longest diffusion on 265 275 260 top sheet layer(mm) Shortest diffusion on 235 245 245 top sheet layer (mm) Longestdiffusion on 260 270 250 absorbent pad layer (mm) Shortest diffusion on220 235 220 absorbent pad layer (mm) ¹also generally referred to as“strike through time (STT)”, which may be defined as the time taken fora known volume of liquid to pass through the nonwoven fabric that is incontact with an underlying dry standard absorbent pad.

Results:

It can be seen from table 29 that the Sample 6.2, which is treated withAlkoxylated PEI-B, has the best results on longest diffusion on topsheet layer and on both longest diffusion and shortest diffusion oncore. As for the shortest diffusion on top sheet layer, the resultobtained by sample 6.2 is as good as the result obtained by sample 6.3.

6.3 Evaluation of the Diffusion Rate

The test was carried out at room temperature and controlled humidity. Asample in table 28 was put on top of the center of a tissue paper,wherein the tissue paper was balanced in terms of weight and moisturebeforehand.

20 ml colored normal saline was poured to the sample through a sleevewith one end contacting directly to the sample on the tissue paper. Timerecording started once the colored normal saline reached to the surfaceof the tissue paper, and ended once the colored normal saline wasdiffused to a marked line on the tissue paper. The obtained time wasreported on table 30.

The test was carried out for each of the three samples, with all theconditions remaining the same.

TABLE 30 Sample 6.1 Sample 6.2 Sample 6.3 Time (in s) 37 15 16

Results:

It can be seen from table 30 that the Sample 6.2, which is treated withAlkoxylated PEI-B, has the shortest time for diffusion.

Each of the documents referred to above is incorporated herein byreference.

Except in the Examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, allnumerical quantities in this description specifying amounts ofmaterials, reaction conditions, molecular weights, number of carbonatoms, and the like, are to be understood as modified by the word“about”.

It is to be understood that the ranges and amounts for each element ofthe invention can be used together with ranges or amounts for any of theother elements.

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specificembodiments and examples described herein. Indeed, various modificationsof the invention in addition to those described herein will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description.Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A process for treating a textile in a textile finishing processcomprising contacting the textile with an alkoxylated polyethyleniminehaving alkylene oxide segments attached to the nitrogen atoms of thepolyethylenimine, wherein the alkylene oxide segments comprise anethylene oxide segment and C3-C4-alkylene oxide segment; wherein a molarratio of the ethylene oxide segment to the remaining alkylene oxidesegment is in a range of 1:2 to 3:1, wherein the amount of alkyleneoxide segments is on average in the range of from 35 to 70 alkyleneoxide segments per nitrogen atom, wherein a weight average molecularweight (Mw) of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine is in a range of 30,000to 50,000 g/mol.
 2. The process according to claim 1, wherein thealkoxylated polyethyleneimine is used in combination with a hydrophobictextile softener in a textile softening composition or is used incombination with a water-repellant agent in a water-repellantcomposition.
 3. The process according to claim 2, wherein thehydrophobic textile softener is selected from the group consisting anamino modified silicone oil, wax, ester, long carbon chain alcohol, andquaternary ammonium compound or wherein the water repellant agent isselected from the group consisting of a fluoro-containingwater-repellant agent or a silicon-containing water-repellant agent. 4.The process according to claim 2, wherein an amount of the alkoxylatedpolyethyleneimine in the textile softening composition is in a range offrom 1 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the alkoxylatedpolyethyleneimine and hydrophobic textile softener; or wherein theamount of the alkoxylated polyethyleneimine in the water-repellantcomposition is in a range of 0.1 to 6% by weight, based on the totalweight of the alkoxylated polyethyleneimine and water-repellant agent.5. The process according to claim 1, wherein the alkylene oxide segmentscomprises an ethylene oxide segment and a C₃-alkylene oxide segment. 6.The process according to claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of ethyleneoxide to the remaining alkylene oxide segment in a range of 1:1 to 2:1.7. The process according to claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of ethyleneoxide to the remaining alkylene oxide segment in a range of 1:1 to 3:2.8. The process according to claim 1, wherein the amount of alkyleneoxide segments is on the average in the range of from 35 to 60 alkyleneoxide segments per nitrogen atoms.
 9. A process for treating a textilein a textile finishing process comprising contacting the textile with analkoxylated polyethylenimine having alkylene oxide segments attached tothe nitrogen atoms of the polyethylenimine, wherein the alkylene oxidesegments comprise an ethylene oxide segment and C3-C4-alkylene oxidesegment; wherein a molar ratio of the ethylene oxide segment to theremaining alkylene oxide segment is in a range of 1:2 to 3:1, whereinthe amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in the range of from35 to 55 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, wherein a weightaverage molecular weight (Mw) of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine is ina range of 30,000 to 50,000 g/mol.
 10. The process according to claim 1wherein the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the alkoxylatedpolyethylinime is in the range of 35,000 to 40,000 g/mol.
 11. Theprocess according to claim 4, wherein the amount of the alkoxylatedpolyethylamine in the textile softening composition is in the range of 1to 25% by weight.
 12. The process according to claim 4, wherein theamount of the alkoxylated polyethylamine in the textile softeningcomposition is in the range of 1 to 20% by weight.
 13. The processaccording to claim 4, wherein the amount of the alkoxylatedpolyethylamine in the textile softening composition is in the range of 1to 10% by weight.
 14. The process according to claim 4, wherein theamount of the alkoxylated polyethylamine in the water repellantcomposition is in the range of 0.1 to 4% by weight.
 15. The processaccording to claim 4, wherein the amount of the alkoxylatedpolyethylamine in the water repellant composition is in the range of 0.1to 2% by weight.
 16. The process according to claim 4, wherein theamount of the alkoxylated polyethylamine in the water repellantcomposition is in the range of 0.1 to 1% by weight.